Unknowing Attraction

6. Language and Pinot Grigio

I expeditiously put my earrings in, dropping one under my dresser. So much for slow movements.

I groan and grab a different pair, as I knew I wouldn't be able to get to the one I'd lost to my own haste. I decided on wearing my hair up, with two strands at the front hanging down, my curls in a perfect spiral. I wore light makeup, as I hadn't really liked to wear too much anyways. I skipped the eyeliner and went straight to the lashes, as I'd run out of time. They looked really good, so I can't say I regret my decision. I wore a sparkling lip gloss, a creme, silk dress that had a slit up to my thigh, exposing a slight amount of skin. My heels matched my dress, as I hate anything otherwise.

I wore a dainty, diamond necklace, with a bracelet to match. I decided on a nice black jacket draped over my shoulders to make the outfit pop.

The time on my clock read 6:25pm, and I began to feel the butterflies moving up from my stomach, through my chest, and into my throat. My mouth dried out intensely as each minute passed by, realizing that this is the first time I'd been on a date in months. My phone buzzed and I grabbed my purse, making sure not to forget my keys. I reached for my phone to see a text from Caius, saying that he was a little bit early, followed by an apology.

I then heard a knock on my front door, to which I looked through the peephole to see him standing there, dressed nicely. I open the door and am met with a slight smell of cologne, the smell raising goosebumps on my skin. His hair was in the same style it had been the night before, and he wore a creme button up with black slacks and dress shoes to match. He smiles as he looks me up and down, a light pink rose in his hand. I motion for him to come in, closing the door gently behind him. He hands me the rose, a soft 'Thank you' leaving my lips as I go to find a small vase. I put water in and the rose shortly after.

"You look stunning." He says and gives me a hug, kissing my forehead gently before taking my hand, spinning me in a slight circle. "As do you." I respond, and of course, the blood rushes to my face immediately. "And, we're matching!" he exclaims, and I laugh, as I realize we are definitely matching. Without even trying. Too perfect.

"You're not some scary killer stalker, right?" I joke, a laugh erupting from his chest and echoing throughout my apartment. "You'd know if I was. I've heard those guys are actually more obvious than you'd think." He says. "Are you ready?" he asks, and I nod, turning the lights off as we exit the apartment. I lock the door behind me, continuing down the steps to follow him to his car.

"I wasn't sure where to park, so I parked right here if that's alright. I can move the car closer, if you'd like." He suggests, and I shake my head, smiling at the thoughtfulness. "I can make it 10 paces." I joke and he smiles back. We approach his car, and he opens the door for me. He drives a black, 2024 Lexus LC, and I can now understand why Jade would be suspicious of him. He is 23, with a high end nightclub, and a brand new sports car.

I thank him and get in, the car smelling new, and a black ice scent tree hanging from his rearview mirror. Tightrope by Zayn played quietly, and I hummed along, a sense of serenity washing over me. I noticed the song had been slowed and reverbed, and excitement coursed through me. "You listen to slowed and reverbed songs, too?!" I exclaim, feeling like I had just met my soulmate. "I feel like one of the most important things we can do is slow down. Quick thoughts, slow movements." he says, looking over to me and smiling briefly before turning his attention back to the road.

This is all becoming too cliche for me. There's no way this man just quoted something I tell myself every day. He is too perfect- this entire scenario is too perfect. It's too good to be true.

I blush, feeling a sense of nervousness. I decided to change the subject to take some of the tension out of the air. "So, where are we going?" I ask, and he places his hand over mine on my leg. "Well, I recognize the fact you appreciate good food and wine, so I figured somewhere with good food and wine. But, it's a slight surprise." he responds, my face scrunching up. "Slight surprise?" I ask, and he chuckles softly. "I say slight surprise, as I already told you the general idea." I nod, the butterflies becoming more intense. Intrusive thoughts swirl around the cracks and crevices of my brain, breathing feeling foreign to me all of the sudden.